Road Traffic (Amendment) Bill: Osman Mahomed Defends a "Decisive" Reform to Save Lives

On Tuesday, in the National Assembly, the Minister of Transport, Osman Mahomed, vigorously defended the Road Traffic (Amendment) Bill, which proposes the reintroduction of the Penalty Point System. He presented this reform as an essential tool for reducing fatal accidents and establishing a new culture of responsibility on Mauritian roads.

From the outset of his speech, Osman Mahomed framed the debate in its human dimension. "Behind every statistic, there is a shattered family, a young person whose aspirations have been abruptly cut short, a household plunged into distress," he stated. The minister reminded everyone that the number of casualties on the roads represents a "silent pandemic," echoing the words of Jean Todt, the UN Special Envoy for Road Safety. He emphasized that Mauritius currently records a road mortality rate of 10 to 11 deaths per 100,000 inhabitants, which is five times higher than Singapore. "We must align ourselves with the countries that have succeeded," he insisted.

The Road Traffic (Amendment) Bill aims to replace an ineffective CRTO with a more structured points system. The minister explained that the new framework is based on a ceiling of fifteen cumulative points over thirty-six months, with disqualification starting at sixteen points. "The objective is not to punish more, but to correct dangerous behaviors," he clarified. Offenses are categorized into four groups based on accident analysis: speeding, distracted driving, failure to wear safety devices, and dangerous behaviors such as illegal overtaking or ignoring signals. A significant innovation of the project is the Penalty Point Certificate, a digital file accessible via MoCloud. "Every driver will be able to track their points in real-time. This psychological factor encourages change," Osman Mahomed stated. The certificate will be secured by a QR Code and integrated into a platform connected to the judicial system, the police, and the NLTA to ensure quick and accurate management of sanctions.

The minister also addressed criticisms that the reform aims to increase state revenue. "No fine amounts have been increased under the points system," he reminded. He stressed the educational aspect of the project, particularly the introduction of mandatory rehabilitation courses before the return of a suspended license and the possibility of reducing a maximum of three points for drivers who have accumulated between ten and fourteen points.

Osman Mahomed acknowledged that some adjustments would be necessary but expressed confidence in the positive impact of the system. "Driving is a privilege, not a right. If you abuse this privilege, you lose it," he stated. The minister concluded by urging the deputies to support the bill. "This reform can save lives. It is necessary, urgent, and awaited."

In response to the Road Traffic (Amendment) Bill discussions, Joe Lesjongard criticized the government's decision to reintroduce the Penalty Point System, considering it a "step backward" rather than true progress. He found it "incomprehensible" that the executive took a year to bring back a measure already implemented in 2013, despite the Transport Minister claiming the reform was ready as early as February and again in July.

The Opposition leader recalled that the 2013 Penalty Point System was a "total failure," with poorly recorded points, slow transmissions, incomplete files, and erroneous suspensions. According to him, none of the elements presented in the project address these structural flaws. He believes the government is merely "repackaging" a failing system under the guise of road urgency.

Joe Lesjongard also referenced a recent video of a motorcyclist speeding and taunting a police officer. For him, this incident illustrates the insufficient police presence on the ground, which is essential for enforcing the law.

Discussing the testing for alcohol and drugs while driving, he lamented the lack of updated data on the number of drivers testing positive. The Opposition leader also questioned the expansion of the list of infractions, deeming some penalties disproportionate, particularly the loss of four points for a sudden light failure. He wondered why the 2024 amendments had never been proclaimed, accusing the government of acting too late after over a hundred road deaths.

Finally, Joe Lesjongard called for legislation on electric scooters, a review of the conditions allowing minors to ride motorcycles, and stricter penalties for refusing an alcohol test. While remaining skeptical about the project's effectiveness, he concluded that road safety should remain an apolitical issue, guided by the best interests of citizens.